About Us
Reigning Hope Foundation Inc.
About Us
The Reigning Hope Foundation was founded in 2014 at the appeal of the East Point community to continue the dreams and legacies of two departed young ladies. On the evening of May 25, 2014, three friends were celebrating the end of their sophomore school year by walking to a local store to buy snacks for the movies, when they were struck by an unrelated, speeding vehicle. Two of the friends, Reina and Juliana, sadly lost their lives, while the third friend sustained multiple injuries and required months of therapy. Though this tragedy continues to shake the resolve of our small community, we choose to celebrate the lives of Reina and Juliana through the Reigning Hope Foundation.
Our Mission
Reigning Hope is a local, non-profit, sponsored organization dedicated to “raining hope” throughout the community, beginning with the schools where both girls began their secondary educations and were active members of the band. Since Reina and Juliana had a passion for helping others, Reigning Hope’s mission is to help their fellow students by providing them with college scholarships and life enhancing skills.
Become a vital part of Reigning Hope & make a real difference to lives of many!
Board of Directors
Kamau As-Salaam,
Chief Executive Officer/President
As one of the brothers of Reina As-Salaam, the legacy this organization was created to honor, Kamau As-Salaam hopes to turn tragedy into inspiration. A dedicated community advocate, Kamau hopes to continue his connection to South Atlanta and provide resources for students both in their high school years and beyond.
Dr. Mercianna R. Oliver,
Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer
Mercianna had the privilege of building close relationships with the friends and fellow students of Reina as her big sister. This incredible insight, along with her experience as a licensed counselor, has instilled a sense of purpose towards advocating and mentoring future leaders and healers for success. Mercianna believes that the Reigning Hope Foundation can be a powerful anchor for today’s youth.
Nicole Comick-Bates, Secretary
Nicole brings years of experience and connections from her time in the government sector to her position as secretary of the Reigning Hope Foundation. Connected to the Oliver/As-Salaam family through friendship, she hopes to be a great support and resource to the foundation by encouraging others to donate whatever resource they have to affect a small change.
Rashida Oliver, Vice-President
As the mother of Reina As-Salaam, the legacy this organization was created to honor, Rashida hopes to turn tragedy into inspiration. Attorney and Municipal Judge of East Point, GA, she considers her greatest accomplishments to be her six children. Through hard work and compassion, Rashida is driven to create and maintain a foundation designed to encourage and enhance our youth.
Dr. Dan Sims
As Reina’s and Juliana’s former principal, Dan has a vested interest in the success of the Reigning Hope foundation. With over 21 years as an educator in Fulton County, he provides valuable insight into the best ways to reach out to students in need of mentoring and scholarship assistance. Dan recognizes that his unique position in the community, along with his energy and commitment towards changing the world can move mountains.
Marnie Zambri
As a Senior Investigative Producer for a nationally syndicated consumer problem-solving television show, Marnie has devoted the past decade to protecting, educating, and assisting consumers to find solutions to what appear to be unsolvable problems. An investigation into the unfair business practices of an Atlanta locksmith led to her introduction to Reigning Hope’s legacy and mission. The organization inspires her desire to help build awareness about Reigning Hope’s commitment to providing education and enrichment opportunities to Atlanta youth.
Ron Jenkins
Ron serves as Minister and Director of Murray Brothers Funeral Home, where he finds God given purpose in caring for people during their time of crisis and grief. A witness to the compassion that people can have for one another in time of need, he hopes to extend that care to youth in need of support and guidance.
Marsha Ford
Certified Midwife and CEO of her own practice, Marsha had the privilege of delivering Reina into the world and hopes to contribute to her legacy through service on the board. It is her belief that people need to be cared for and the Reigning Hope Foundation can serve as a source of support for the community. If she can convey to people the importance of knowing and believing in themselves, she knows she has made a difference.
Sonya Bailey
Connected to the foundation as a family friend, Sonya contributes to the board with her legal input and persistence to getting things done. A graduate of Georgia State University College of Law, she has years of experience in the legal arena. Self-described as God-fearing, intelligent, and kind, Sonya hopes to be an influence toward making the world a secure place for children. It is her hope that people donate their time, money, and talents to the Reigning Hope Foundation
Donald Williams
Andre Goolsby
